Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco has been named the 2019 recipient of the Roberto Clemente award, MLB announced Friday.
Carrasco, 32, was announced as the Indians' nominee Sept. 12. The award is given out annually by the league to the player who "best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field."
.@Cookie_Carrasco is an inspiration and the 2019 Roberto Clemente Award winner. pic.twitter.com/jZYdQxQxT4
— MLB (@MLB) October 25, 2019
Words can’t describe what @Cookie_Carrasco means to our community and organization.
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) October 25, 2019
THANK YOU for making such a big impact on and off the field. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/R9Vr0KhHFJ
On June 5, Carrasco was placed on the 10-day injured list for what the Indians called a "blood condition." Later on July 6, Carrasco revealed he'd been diagnosed with leukemia. Cleveland activated him off the IL on Aug. 28 and he made his first appearance since the diagnosis on Sept. 1. He received a standing ovation from the crowd as he came into the game as a relief pitcher against the Rays.
“He took a situation where, rather than feeling sorry for himself, he used his ability to reach out to people and lift them up,” Indians manager Terry Francona said, (via MLB.com). “That’s pretty incredible.”
Carrasco took to Instagram on Friday to express his gratitude for winning the award writing: "Thank you to @mlb and to all who voted for me as the Roberto Clemente Award winner. This is an incredible honor and something I have dreamed about since I was a kid. Let’s all continue to make this world a better place!"
In 23 games (12 starts) with the Indians this season, Carrasco went 6-7 with a 5.29 ERA in 80 innings pitched.
The Indians finished the season 93-69, missing the playoffs for the first time in three seasons.